HERE COMES THE BOLD BRIDE Irish designers say I don’t to tradition

Irish designers are leading the way for a bolder bridal statement, more reflective of our times and the personality of the bride. Exquisite.ie's Aisling O'Loughlin looks at some of our most exciting and innovative designers...

July 30, 2017

Forget nice girl brides with saccharine smiles and dresses to match. Irish bridal designers are catering for a different animal altogether. It’s a sign of the times. The modern bride is no longer thrilled to be ‘taken off the shelf’. She’s her own woman, an equal, willing to share her life but keeping her independence and opting for a more daring bridal look to show she hasn’t gone soft on us.

Irish bridal designers: The deep V at the back of the Tallulah gown from Dirty Fabulous Bridal

Just look at the fantastical creations of Co Offaly whizz Sorcha O’Raghallaigh who famously dressed Lady Gaga and Kate Moss and became the toast of London following her incredible graduation show from Central Saint Martin’s where she sent her models down the catwalk on stilts. Sorcha’s designs are not for the faint hearted but are captivating and strong, an utterly different bride to the butter wouldn’t melt sweetheart we’ve been served up all these years.

Boho brides are another sign of change, away from all that strarchy perfection and embracing a more relaxed, devil may care aesthetic.

Kilkenny favourite Folkster has just become the exclusive stockist of Don O’Neill who dressed Oprah Winfrey for the Oscars in 2012.

The Ballyheigue native’s THEIA collection has won global acclaim and securing this deal is a coup for Folkster owner Blathnaid Hennessy. She told us, ‘Don is always aiming to create a magical feeling for his brides, which we love. Theia Bridal gowns are such a high standard of fit, quality and beadwork – each gown is a work of art and craftsmanship. We are so proud to be their exclusive stockist here in Ireland’.

With Ireland’s reputation for design and quality, our bridal designers are in a strong position to lead the way down the aisle to a new look bride, who’s a lot more interesting and individual than what we’ve come to expect.

Aisling O’Loughlin writes for The Irish Mail on Sunday Magazine in her weekly column and double fashion spread.